LOCAL & GENERAL

Grey River Argus, 17 May 1946, Page 4

LOCAL & GENERAL

By> the Weights and Measures Proclamation gazetted to-night, the fluid ounce is made a lawful measure of capacity and a new denominator of standard within the meaning of the Weights and Measures Act, 1925; A fluid ounce, which is defined as one 160th part of a gallon, was not previously a legal measure.—Press Assn.

Used in the preparation of domestic sandsoap and building insulation and by dental mechanics in many parts of the world, Wanganui pumice, generally regarded as volcanic waste which litters the banks' of the river, is in fact a valuable source of income to the city. It is acknowledged to be unequalled in quality in the world, the nearest approach being found in Italy, says the “Wanganui Herald.” Pumice in its original state finds a ready market both overseas and in the Dominion. In recent years about 400 tons has been exported annually to Australia, and this amount has been increased recently to 1,000 tons. Even greater amounts are used within New Zealand and before the war another large bulk purchaser was England.

Personal accident insurance policies which previously did not cover air travel except oy application, have now been, extended by the majority of the insurance companies operating in New Zealand to include journeys by recognised air lines on established routes without extra premiums. It was stated in Auckland yesterday that this extension met a demand caused by a growth of air travel, and recognised that this travel was just as safe as transport by ship, rail, or motor vehicle. The same extension had been introduced overseas, and associated New Zealand offices were following an accepted practice. —Press Assn.

Bushmen! We have had specially made Roadmen’s Canvas Coats; long sleeves, with cape, round shoulders and back; storm collar; dome fronts; 35/-. Elbow sleeves, 32/6. Post tree from H. Hamer, Kumara—Advt.

The annual meeting of the Greymouth Master Bakers’ Association was held early this week when the following officers were elected toi the ensuing year: President: Mr. Walter Shannon; committee: Messrs Alan Glen, J. Nimmo jun., E. Dumbleton, R. Olsen, W Robertson, J ■ I-lowson (Greymouth); C. Preston & W. Eastgate (Hokitika); T. Bowes (Runanga); auditor: Mr. J. S. Robertson.

Sterling exchange assets in New Zealand stood’ at £76,271,443 (N.Z. currency) for the week ended May G as compared with £76,615,631. for the previous week, according to figures issued by the Reserve Bank. The proportion of reserve to notes and other demand liabilities was 63.360 per cent, as compared wiln 62.748 per cent, for the previous week.

At a special meeting of the Greymouth branch of the National Party on Wednesday evening, Mr. D. McBeth was appointed to the Canterbury divisional staff of the Party, and seconded to the Westland electorate as a full time organiser. There was also a meeting of women supporters of the party the same evening, Mrs. E. Parfitt presiding, when an address was given by Mrs. C. Kerr, chairwomen of- the Canterbury women’s division of the party. It was decided to call another within a week to form women’s committees for furthering the interests of the local National Party candidate at the general elections.